Romantic Campfires & Pristine Beach Safari

An unforgettable safari adventure visiting two of Africa’s most stunning game-filled wildlife areas – Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve. Staying at the luxury Jongomero and Siwandu camps, this experience offers guests the opportunity to take unique safari bush walks and boat excursions as well as top quality game drives. The safari ends at the small and exclusive Fanjove Island.

 

Ruaha National Park is the largest National Park in Africa. Jongomero camp is situated far to the South of the park in a remote location from where you can roam the riverine areas and hills. Birding is quite spectacular, with the park boasting some 500 different species of birds, including the Ruaha Red-billed hornbill which is unique to the park. Ruaha is an ecological convergence for Northern and Southern species of mammal and is also one of the few areas where Greater and Lesser Kudu can be seen.

Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve – the size of Switzerland – and one of the last great wilderness areas on the continent. You will spend three unforgettable nights here as well as taking full advantage of viewing the abundant wildlife, either by boat, vehicle or on foot.

Fanjove Island is located south of Dar es Salaam and is part of the Songo Songo Archipelago, Southern Tanzania. Included activities are snorkelling off the beach, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and island walks.

Itinerary

Day 1:   Dar es Salaam – Jongomero, Ruaha National Park

Welcome to Dar es Salaam!  From the International terminal, you will take a transfer to the Domestic terminal. Your flight leaves Dar 08h30 and the flying time is about 3hrs but there might be some stops in between, you will only get off at Jongomero airstrip.  On arrival you will be met by one of the guides and driven the short distance to Jongomero, in time for a traditional safari communal lunch.

Ruaha has gained a reputation amongst safari connoisseurs for its unique ecological and geographical character, offering a cross-section of species and a climate that is unique to the country.  It is the largest National Park in Africa, and the feeling of remoteness and the spirit of adventure are immense.  After afternoon tea, set out on a game drive in our open-sided vehicle, following the course of the Great Ruaha River in search of wildlife.  Perhaps find elephants digging for water in the dry river bed, or catch a rare sighting of the African Wild Dog. As the sun sets, stop to admire the scenery and sip on a sundowner, before heading back to camp for hot showers and convivial drinks before dinner, discussing the day’s events and swapping safari stories.

Days 2 – 3:  Jongomero, Ruaha National Park

Wake up to early morning tea or coffee in your luxury tent and look forward to another wonderful day exploring Ruaha National Park.

Jongomero is situated far to the South of the park and it feels like we have all of Africa to ourselves as we roam the riverine areas and hills.  Birding is quite spectacular, with the park boasting some 500 different species of birds, including the Ruaha Red-billed hornbill which is unique to the park.  Ruaha is an ecological convergence for Northern and Southern species of mammal and is also one of the few areas where Greater and Lesser Kudu can be seen. Game drives in Ruaha are unique and cater for the safari connoisseur, and with the bush luxury of Jongomero as our base, we can enjoy a most exclusive and rewarding safari experience.  Dawn game walks are an absolute must; experience the warmth of the African sun warming your back as you navigate the dry river beds and listen to your expert guide tell you fascinating and often bizarre stories of the local flora, fauna, insects, birds and animals.

Booked in advance, we offer Walking Safaris in Ruaha, the authentic African experience.  Arrive at the exclusive wilderness camp either by road or by foot and settle in with a hot bucket showers, before meeting around the camp fire for a sundowner and dinner.  After sampling our bush cuisine, sleep under the stars of a small dome star gazer tent with a basin and hand towel outside.  The next morning make your way back to camp having experienced a true African camping safari in the mighty Ruaha for one night.

Day 4:   Jongomero, Ruaha National Park – Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve (formerly Selous Safari Camp)

Depart Jongomero after breakfast for your flight to Selous Game Reserve. The schedule flight departs Jongomero at 11h45 and lands in Selous at 13h05 – there might be a few stops in between – you will only get off at Siwandu airstrip. Here you will be met by our driver guide and taken back on a short safari to Siwandu, in time for lunch.

Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve, the size of Switzerland and one of the last great wilderness areas on the continent. You will spend three unforgettable nights here as well as taking full advantage of viewing the abundant wildlife, either by boat, vehicle or on foot.

After lunch and a rested, there will be the opportunity to choose your first activity and begin to explore the Reserve, returning in time for sunset and dinner.

Days 5– 6:  Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve

An early morning tea or coffee will be served in your luxury tent before breakfast and heading out, with a choice of the following activities:

By boat, either by following the course of the mighty Rufiji River or exploring Lake Nzerakera;  weave amongst the pods of hippo and crocodile lining the bank and observe game coming down to drink.

Or

Start the day earlier on a game walk, heading out on Selous’ most privileged of experiences.  Accompanied by our experienced guide and an armed ranger, walk out into Africa’s largest wilderness, learn about the complex eco-system that it embraces, encounter the thrills and be enthralled at the wonder of being at the heart of nature.

Or

Explore the game in the surrounding areas, from your seat on an open-sided vehicle, a comfortable and privileged journey through the wild African bush.  You can expect to see any of the major African mammals, including elephant, giraffes, lions, leopard and even the rare African Wild Dog.

Return to camp for a splendid lunch, then a difficult decision between a siesta or a dip in the swimming pool whilst waiting for the heat of the day to subside.  Mid afternoon meet for a cup of tea or cooling lemonade and scrumptious cakes under the Jackel Berry tree, and then move onto your second safari of the day – slowly meandering along the Rufiji River or perhaps tracking a leopard and her cub through the woodland.

Again, as in Ruaha, there is an opportunity for a Walking Safari; if you are interested please book in advance.

Day 7:   Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve – Fanjove Island

Early morning tea or coffee in bed overlooking Lake Nzerakera is a fine start to your last day here, and before travelling take an early boat or game drive, or lie in and meet for a leisurely breakfast.  After bidding farewell to camp managers and staff, take a slow drive to the airstrip to have your last viewings of the great Maasai giraffe and perhaps their new born babies along the way.

Depart at 09h00 for a short game drive to the airstrip for the flight to Dar es Salaam. Flight leaves Siwandu at 12h50 and lands Dar at 14h00.  Connect onto a flight from Dar to Songo Songo airstrip (departs 15h30 to arrive 16h35 approx). Met and transferred to the lodge to dinner and overnight.

Days 8 – 9: Fanjove Island

Days at leisure whilst enjoying snorkeling off the beach, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and island walks.

Day 10: Fanjove Island – Dar es Salaam

On your final day, pack and enjoy your last few hours of tropical sunshine before flying back to Dar es Salaam to meet your international flight back home.

 

Prices

Click here to view our price tables:

View Prices Request a Quote

ROMANTIC CAMPFIRES & PRISTINE BEACH SAFARI

3 NIGHTS RUAHA / 3 NIGHTS SELOUS / 3 NIGHTS FANJOVE:  PRICES ARE IN US$

Included at Jongomero & Siwandu: Scheduled flight Dar-Ruaha-Selous-Dar. 3 nights Full board accommodation at each with a selection of drinks included. Shared game drives at both camps. Bush walks and boat trips at Siwandu. Park and camping/concession fees.

Included at Fanjove: Scheduled flight Dar-Songo Songo-Dar. 3 nights Full board accommodation with a selection of drinks included. Snorkeling off the beach, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and island walks.

 Excluded: Premium drinks, exclusive use of vehicle, activities not mentioned above.

Please select your currency:
DATES FROM DATES TO PER PERSON SHARING| PACKAGE SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT| PACKAGE CHILD 6-11 SHARING| PACKAGE EXTRA NIGHT FANJOVE| PER ADULT SHARING
01-Jan-24 14-Mar-24 9717 USD 0 USD 6213 USD 890 USD
15-Mar-24 31-May-24 Closed
01-Jun-24 30-Jun-24 10167 USD 0 USD 6482 USD 889 USD
01-Jul-24 31-Oct-24 10167 USD 3608 USD 6482 USD 889 USD
01-Nov-24 20-Dec-24 10167 USD 0 USD 6482 USD 889 USD
21-Dec-24 07-Jan-25 10167 USD 3608 USD 6482 USD 889 USD
08-Jan-25 14-Mar-25 10167 USD 0 USD 6482 USD 873 USD

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations and may change.

Ras Kutani:  Suites & Family Units are available on Request.

Late Departure from Ras Kutani, supplement of $95 per person (INCLUSIVE LUNCH)

Child Policy:

The camp is not suitable for children aged under 6 years.

Children aged 6-11 years and sharing a room with 2 adults pays child price shown

Extra Nights – child 6-11 years (sharing) pays 60% of rate shown

No Triple Rooms. Maximum age limit of 3rd bed is 18 years.

Booking Enquiries: click the button below to use our online enquiry form:

Request a Quote Now »

Any of our own Gamewatchers team of Safari Advisors based in the USA, Canada, the UK, India and Australia will be glad to be of service in arranging your safari, helping you plan your trip, confirming prices, answering your questions and booking your choice of safari camps and lodges for you.

Our Safari Advisors have helped many hundreds of our guests to plan their trips and will be delighted to assist you and to help you plan your ideal safari.

For contact details of all our overseas based Safari Advisors in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, India and South America click here, or call us using the numbers below:

USA & Canada USA & Canada   Tel: +1-877-710-3014 (Julie Roggow) or +1-519-686-4776 (Rick McIntyre)

UK & EU UK & EU   Tel: +44 (0)7986-978985 (Wayne Hammond)

Kenya Kenya   Tel: +254 (0)774-136523

Concerned about the security of your booking and your own safety while on safari?

We fully appreciate your concerns when it comes to booking a safari in Africa and you can rest assured that your financial security when booking and your own personal safety when on safari is our highest priority. Gamewatchers Safaris is a member of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators bonding scheme, backed by a leading insurance company, to ensure your payments are fully protected if a bonded KATO member ceases trading.